So far 10000 patients at Chevin medical Practice have had at least one vaccination with just over half receiving AstraZeneca. We have had no problems of concern.

Nationally we have given 20 million AstraZeneca doses and there is a possible link in 79 cases of an extremely specific and unusual brain clot. This is quite distinct to other clotting problems.

We strongly recommend patients keep up with their vaccination offers. This is an essential tool in protecting yourself, your family and your co-workers and/or those you provide care for.

Unlike some centres, all our patients are pre-screened as best we can (based on latest evidence) with the benefit of your clinical records and knowledge - to add additional safety checks.

If you are a healthy younger person aged 18 to 29

The link attached gives reassurance about the reasons for the latest advice on a slight change in policy to offer choice (when available) to those young adults when their turn comes for vaccine. Anyone in this age group with long-term conditions or additional risks should have the vaccination as offered without change from AstraZeneca and anyone already vaccinated with this should have their second when offered. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/976880/PHE_COVID-19_AZ_vaccination_guide.pdf

We cannot offer choice of vaccination to anyone outside of that age group - and for reasons beyond our control with supply and deliveries, we may not have alternatives to offer in the next few weeks for fit and well young adults under the age of 30 eligible early (due to a role as a paid carer for instance). We think we have reached out and already vaccinated that group at least once.

Chevin Medical Practice has opted in to Phase 2 (Cohorts 10-12) – which is the 18 – 49 year old and are awaiting delivery schedules and permissions to progress at scale in these cohorts.

We ask that you do not contact the surgery to query these vaccine types or your specific circumstances as we are extremely busy with running a large medical practice dealing with all the other issues of providing healthcare to over 19000 patients – if you can not find info via the link attached you can use the eConsult link below to send a query – allowing a few days for a reply please.

If you are a healthy person aged 30-39

JCVI has advised a preference for adults aged 30 to 39 without underlying health conditions to receive an alternative to the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine – where available and only if this does not cause substantial delays in being vaccinated.

If you already have an appointment booked in an AstraZeneca clinic at the surgery, you must read the Patien Information Leaflet and the latest advice before attending your appointment; this will be considered your consent.

At the moment we do not know when further stocks of an alternative vaccine will be received, which could delay your vaccination by a number of weeks and could potentially mean your second vaccination would not take place until after the summer months (11-12 weeks after your first).  If you would prefer to cancel your appointment we will place your name on a waiting list and will contact you again when we receive alternative supplies.

Thank you for supporting our teams in supporting you (and the wider practice population) at this important phase in our pandemic response.